Our Promise to You
At Black Lapel, delivering your perfect fit isn’t just our goal—it’s the standard we hold ourselves to. While online custom clothing can be complex, we approach it with the care and responsiveness of a small business (because we are one).
If your first garment in any category needs fine-tuning, we offer complimentary in-house alterations or a full remake when necessary. From first stitch to final fit, we’re committed to working with you personally because we know great service and Flawless Fit should always go hand in hand.
The Process
step one
Your First Order
Your custom experience begins with our sizing survey—designed to deliver a remarkably accurate first fit based on your measurements and preferences. To ensure the best results, we typically start by sending one of each garment type, giving us the chance to fine-tune the fit before producing additional pieces. While most first garments fit well right out of the box, small adjustments are a natural part of the process.
We'll follow up after you've received your order to see how we did and receive feedback on the fit.
Step two
Alterations
If your garments need any adjustments, we’re here to help. Just send us a Fit Assessment Request.
First, we'll provide our professional opinion from our team of fit experts. Everyone on our team that can review your fit has over 10 years of experience.
In many cases, we’ll recommend local tailoring and offer reimbursement to cover the cost, but you can also ship items back for in-house tailoring (which typically takes 2-4 weeks).
Step three
Fit Confirmation
Once you confirm that your updated garments meet your expectations, we’ll take it from there:
- Any remaining items on hold will be updated to reflect your final fit and moved into production.
- Your Pattern will be updated to lock in the changes—enjoy your Flawless Fit.
Because your updated Pattern is saved to your account, making future orders is effortless. You’ll also have full access to view, edit, or fine-tune your patterns anytime, giving you complete control over your fit.
Step four
Future Updates
Whether your body has changed or your preferences have shifted, we’re happy to help update your fit anytime. Just keep in mind: once a fit is confirmed, any future alterations are not complimentary—so we always recommend submitting fit photos through our portal and receiving feedback to ensure the changes you're making are appropriate.
That way, our team can provide the best guidance and, if needed, walk you through the full fit confirmation process again to ensure your pattern is perfectly dialed in (which includes alterations).
The Policy
Want the nitty gritty details? Get into it below.
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Is there a time limit on alterations?
Yes, there is a time limit. Fit Feedback Requests must be made within 60 days of delivery for the first garment of each type to be eligible for complimentary alterations.
I tried updating my Pattern and I don't like it, can you still alter my garments?
Unfortunately, we’re not able to offer complimentary alterations for pattern changes unless the updates were made in collaboration with our team.
After the first garment of each type, any small fit adjustments made by you are considered final. We're happy to help update your pattern moving forward, but any alterations would be at your own expense.
We do offer paid alteration services to complete these adjustments—simply make a Fit Assessment Request.
What is your alteration reimbursement policy?
If you choose to use a local tailor, we provide reimbursement—up to $75 for your first jacket or outerwear piece, and up to $50 for your first shirt or pant. Often, we're able to allow exceptions above this amount as long as you work with us before moving forward.
To be eligible for reimbursement, you must first submit a Fit Assessment Request through our Alteration Portal. You're also required to document any alterations made and provide an itemized receipt. Reimbursements will be issued to your original form of payment—missing any of these steps or spending more than the alloted amount may result in store credit or denial of the refund altogether.
I don't want to use a local tailor / don't have one near me. Can you help?
Yes, we can absolutely help. If you don’t have access to a local tailor or prefer not to use one, we offer complimentary in-house alterations. Just submit a Fit Assessment Request and we'll let you know next steps.
Typically, we'll ask that you mail your garments back to us for alteration.
I prefer to use my own tailor for alterations. Is that possible?
Yes, you're welcome to use your own tailor for alterations. However, you're still required to submit a Fit Assessment Request before visiting your tailor.
Alternatively, if you've already made alterations, please record a detailed list of the changes and submit an itemized receipt to be considered for reimbursement. For full details, please refer to our Alteration Reimbursement Policy for limits and restrictions.
The Fit Confirmation process seems to take a while, can you expedite my order?
If you're going through the Fit Confirmation process, we apply complimentary high-priority expedites on the first garment of each type to keep your order timeline as close as possible to our standard turnaround.
For any remaining items on hold, we've already secured the fabric, and those pieces will also receive expedited processing once your fit is confirmed.
How long do alterations take if I mail them to you?
Approximately 2-4 weeks from delivery back to us.
I need a full remake on one of my items, how can I request that?
If you believe a full remake is needed, the first step is to submit a Fit Assessment Request.
This helps us assess the scope of the fit adjustments required. In some cases, a full remake is the most efficient and cost-effective solution—but it must be reviewed and approved by our team first. Once we’ve evaluated your request, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
A detail or customization on my order is not correct. What do I do?
If a detail or customization on your order isn’t correct, don’t worry—just snap a quick photo and send it to us, including any relevant notes, and our team will review the issue and follow up with next steps.
I want a refund / to return my items and cancel my order.
Because each garment is custom-made to your unique specifications, we do not offer refunds or accept returns unless we’ve first had the opportunity to address your fit or quality concerns through our Alteration Process. Our goal is always to get your fit right, and we’re committed to working with you to make that happen.
Additionally, please note that we purchase fabrics up front to reserve them specifically for your order. If you request to cancel any unproduced items, a cancellation fee equal to the cost of those fabrics will apply.
We encourage you to always send us a Fit Assessment Request as a first step, allowing us the best opportunity to help you.